Manel Kape and Kyoji Horiguchi have been officially confirmed as the main event for UFC Vegas 119 scheduled for June 20. This flyweight matchup pits two experienced contenders against each other in a significant headliner. The announcement was made official by the UFC. Details about the rest of the card have not been disclosed in this post.
The UFC has officially confirmed a flyweight main event for UFC Vegas 119 on June 20, with Manel Kape set to face Kyoji Horiguchi in what promises to be a compelling matchup between two of the division's most experienced contenders.
Kape, ranked sixth in the flyweight division, enters the bout carrying a 23-7 record. The 32-year-old Angolan southpaw, who trains out of Xtreme Couture, is one of the more dangerous strikers at 125 pounds. He lands an impressive 4.68 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, making him a genuine finishing threat on the feet. Standing five-foot-five with a 68-inch reach, Kape has the physical tools to keep opponents at range and work behind his left hand.
Horiguchi brings an even deeper resume to the cage. The 35-year-old Japanese veteran holds a 36-6 record accumulated across a lengthy career at the top of the flyweight and bantamweight ranks. Training out of American Top Team, Horiguchi works from an orthodox stance and stands five-foot-four with a 63-inch reach. He lands 3.64 significant strikes per minute and contributes a more well-rounded threat with 1.67 takedown attempts per 15 minutes, giving him options beyond pure striking.
Why it matters
- Kape is currently ranked sixth in the flyweight division, and a win over a name like Horiguchi could push him closer to title contention
- Horiguchi's extensive experience and takedown-oriented game presents a stylistic challenge for the strike-heavy Kape
- The main event billing gives both fighters a high-profile platform to make a statement in a stacked 125-pound division
